CA2265482C

CA2265482C - Laryngeal airway device

Info

Publication number: CA2265482C
Application number: CA002265482A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Scott D. Augustine; Randall C. Arnold; Thomas W. Mcgrail
Original assignee: Arizant Healthcare Inc
Current assignee: Arizant Healthcare Inc
Priority date: 1996-10-16
Filing date: 1997-09-24
Publication date: 2004-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2017-09-24
Also published as: EP0952859A1; US6070581A; HK1023953A1; CN1133471C; AU719829B2; DE69703502T2; WO1998016273A1; AU4491797A; ES2154056T3; CN1236326A; DE69703502D1; EP0952859B1; CA2265482A1; ATE197409T1

Abstract

A laryngeal airway device includes an air tube with proximal and distal ends, and a sealing member attached to the distal end of the air tube. The sealing member includes an anterior surface adapted to seat in the throat, against the hyoid bone, and to stretch the laryngeal inlet. A hole extends through the anterior surface and the sealing member and communicates through an air passage with the distal end of the air tube. When the sealing member is seated in the throat, the hole is contained within the rim of the stretched laryngeal inlet, with which the anterior surface forms a seal that surrounds the hole. Airway patency is thereby ensured.

Description

?10152025W0 98/ 16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97/16838LARYNGEAL AIRWAY DEVICETECHNICAL FIELDThis invention is concerned with the management of a human airway in order tocontrol respiration. More particularly, the invention concerns a device that couples anairway tube reliably and safely with the laryngeal opening, the upper end of the trachea,which is the breathing passageway that leads to the lungs. The device seats in the throatimmediately adjacent the laryngeal opening, tensions and erects the laryngeal opening,and seals within the laryngeal opening to provide a channel through the airway tube forarti?cial ventilation of the lungs.BACKGROUND ARTThe airway of a human being includes the throat and windpipe, and leads to thelungs. Control and management of a patientâs airway are required under a variety ofcircumstances. During the administration of general anesthesia, in particular, theresultant loss of consciousness and muscle tone require that patient ventilation bemaintained through an arti?cial airway. Control of a patients airway is also necessaryto permit mechanical ventilation of a patient with diseased or injured lungs and duringresuscitation of a hemodynamically compromised and apneic or non-breathing patient.Mechanical ventilation of a patient involves forming a seal about some portion of thepatientâs breathing anatomy and introducing air that varies in pressure through the seal.The air is provided through a tube from a ventilating machine. The seal con?nes thevarying air pressure in the airway and lungs of the patient, imposing an artificialrespiration on the lungs. A breach in the seal undesirably lets the varying pressureescape to the ambient atmosphere, which inhibits airway management. Therefore, thequality and efficacy of an airway management device depends upon the seal that it formswhere it interfaces with a patientâs airway.A wide variety of devices are currently available to manage a patientâs airway.For simplicity, these airway devices can be categorized as follows: face masks, trachealtubes and pharyngeal airways.?CA 02265482 1999-03-03SUBSTITUTE PAGES . PCT/US97/16838WâO.98/ 16273D I-7--A face mask covering the mouth and nose and with a port for connection to aventilation means is commonly used for short term control of the airway. The facemask is non-invasive in that sealing of the airway is accomplished not by penetrationinto the patient's airway, but rather by skin contact, with the mask encircling themouth and nose. However, airway patency is not assured since the tongue and otherstructures can obstruct the airway. Also, it is difficult to maintain a seal of the airwayfor any period of time, particularly during positive pressure ventilation. Leakagearound the face mask results in ineffective ventilation and. during anesthesia,contaminates the operating room with anesthetic gases. Furthermore. a face maskdoes not prevent the introduction of air into the esophagus and stomach (gastricinsufflation) or protect against the aspiration of stomach contents (breathing ofvomited material). Still further, the face mask precludes surgical ?eld avoidanceduring oral, nasal and facial procedures, and it is inappropriate for patients with facialburns.Tracheal tubes (also called endotracheal tubes and ETTS) are inserted throughthe mouth or nose and into the trachea (the windpipe) where an in?atable balloon orcuff surrounding the tube seals against the interior surface of the trachea. Thisapproach avoids the deficiencies of face masks because it includes the provision of aconduit traversing the pharynx, and forms an effective seal against the airway,allowing positive pressure ventilation, and protection against aspiration of stomachcontents. However, while solving several problems, tracheal tubes create newchallenges. They are difficult to insert and position properly within the trachea,almost always requiring a laryngoscope, stylet or other intubation aid. Penetration ofthe larynx and trachea is invasive and is a highly noxious stimulus requiring a deepplane of anesthesia. Furthermore, once in place, tracheal tubes injure the delicatetissue of the larynx and trachea including the vocal cords. Incorrect positioning of thetube tip (distally into the mainstem bronchi or proximal dislocation out of the trachea)is an additional concern.P:âAlJGL'STIN\ l 54296.A.MlAMENDED SHEET?CA 02265482 1999-03-03SUBSTITUTE PAGES PCT/US97/16838' .W_Oâ.98/.16273-2A-U.S. Patent No. 5,259,371 discloses another endotracheal tube, without aballoon, that is introduced into a person's laryrm through an auxillary tube with a?ange that rests on the larynx.Another method of ensuring a patent airway is to insert a tracheostomy tubethrough an opening in the front of the neck and directly into the trachea. Thisapproach is even more invasive than the tracheal tube in that it requires surgery toinstall the tube:P:â.AL/GUSTIN\ l S4296.AMlv- ., .AlâvlcNuED SHEET?CA 02265482 1999-03-03SUBSTITUTE PAGES T PCT/US97/ 16838-WCâ 98/} 6273-3-consequently, it is reserved for patients chronically requiring ventilatory assistance orfor those needing emergency relief from an obstructed upper airway.With the current trend toward minimally invasive surgery. the concept of anairway management device with a supraglottic seal without the stimuli of trachealintubation has widespread appeal. A supraglottic seal seals in the throat. above thelarynx, while providing a passageway to the laryngeal opening through whichventilatory gases may be delivered. Since these devices normally terminate in thepharynx, the portion of the throat from the mouth to the larynx, they are commonlyreferred to as "pharyngeal" devices. When combined with a breathing tube. apharyngeal device is called a "pharyngeal airway" device.A variety of pharyngeal airway devices have been developed for assistance inmaintaining a human airway. Some oro-pharyngeal airway devices are useful indisplacing the tongue or as bite blocks, but are incapable of maintaining the airway bythemselves, since a seal is not effected. Other devices include a tube with a cuff toseal against the pharyngeal wall at the base of the tongue. and with another cuff thatseals around the plugged distal end of a tube situated in the esophagus. Patientventilation occurs through side holes in the tube between the two cuffs, the side holesaligned with the laryngeal opening.Another pharyngeal airway device includes a tube with an inflatable cuffsurrounding its distal end. The cuff is intended to seal against the pharyngeal wall,above the epiglottis. A laryngeal mask airway device in this regard which is disclosedin EP-A-0389272 is adapted to occupy space in a person's pharynx near the person'slarynx. GB-A-2298796 discloses an introducer along which a laryngeal mask airwaydevice can be slid into position.Generally, pharyngeal airway devices seal against pharyngeal structuressurrounding the larynx, and merely mask or cover the larynx, rather than sealingwithin or directly against it. These devices characteristically form inadequate sealsthat leak with a moderate level of positive pressure ventilation. Further, these devicesP:â.AL'GUSTlN\l54296.AMlAMENDED SHEET?CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97/16838wo 98/.16273- ISUBSTITUTE PAGES-3 A-provide easily breached or imperfect barriers between the esophagus and trachea,allowing gastric insufflation and/or aspiration of stomach contents. Also. thesedevices usually include air channels with small bores that limit the size of trachealtubes that can be inserted into a trachea. should intubation be desired.The inadequate sealing performance ofpharyngeal airway devices is notsurprising considering their designs and the anatomy with which they interface. TheP:âAUGL'STlN\ l 54296.AMl?10152025W0 98/16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97/ 16838-4-larynx ("voice boxâ) is the most proximal part of the trachea and opens into the pharynx,immediately behind the base of the tongue. The adult laryngeal inlet (the opening intothe larynx and trachea) looks very similar to a piece of pipe, approximately 5/8" indiameter with its end beveled at an approximately 30Â° angle. The pipe analogy isaccurate when describing the general appearance of the trachea and larynx, however itis not an accurate analogy of the functional anatomy. The laryngeal inlet is not a rigidstructure. The anterior wall of the laryngeal inlet (the side facing the tongue), includingthe tip of the beveled end of the inlet, is formed by the epiglottis, which is a ?exiblecartilage. The epiglottis provides some structure to the laryngeal inlet but is sufficientlyflexible that it can easily be bent posteriorly, away from the tongue, to fully cover andblock the inlet. The distal posterior aspect of the laryngeal inlet is formed by two small,movable arytenoid cartilages. Finally, the side walls of the laryngeal inlet are formedby very ?exible quadrangular membranes attached to the arytenoid cartilages posteriorlyand to the epiglottis anteriorly. The proximal edges of the quadrangular membranesbecome the aryâepiglottic folds that form the rim of the laryngeal inlet. It is obviousthat this combination of ?exible cartilages and membranes creates an inlet to the airwaythat is structurally strong with respect to tension and stretching, but that has virtually nostructural strength with respect to compression. Radially compressive forces applied tothe laryngeal inlet will easily collapse the inlet into itself, thereby covering and blockingthe airway. Manifestly. radially compressive forces could not possibly formSUMMARY OF NEEDThere is a need for an airway management device with the following attributes:- non-invasive and supraglottic (does not contact structures below the vocalcords),- seals directly within the laryngeal inlet instead of against the pharyngealstructures,- makes a seal that is sufficient to permit positive pressure ventilation,- avoids gastric insuf?ation and aspiration,- is easy to insert,?10I5202530W0 98/ 16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/U S97/ 16838-5-- provides de?nitive endpoint of insertion that ensures alignment with theairway opening and remains seated in that position,- makes a nontraumatic seal of airway,- employs simple, costâeffective design permitting single use, and- passes an adult sized ETT through its air channel to facilitate optionalintubation of the trachea.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTIONOur invention is a laryngeal airway device comprising a curved or ?exible tubewith proximal and distal ends. The tube has a sealing member attached at its distal endthat forms a seal within the rim of the laryngeal inlet. The seal within the rim of thelaryngeal inlet makes our device fundamentally different than pharyngeal airway deviceswhich seal against pharyngeal structures. Substantially in the midline of the anteriorsurface of the sealing member is a hole in communication with the distal end of the?exible tube. The hole approximates the aperture of the laryngeal inlet when the deviceis properly positioned for use, forming an air conduit with the larynx.As previously discussed, the cartilaginous support structure and membranous sidewalls of the laryngeal inlet are both compressible and collapsible and are thereforedifficult to seal against. Our device seals against the compressible and collapsiblelaryngeal inlet in a very specific and unique way. Our key observation is that while thelaryngeal inlet may have little strength to resist external circumferential compression, ithas considerable tensile strength (the ability to resist stretching). We have also observedthat the epiglottic cartilage forming the anterior wall of the laryngeal inlet is attachedto the thyroid cartilage of the larynx at its distal end and at its proximal end is free tomove in an anterior or posterior direction, like a "lever". Attached to and supported bythis "lever" are the ?exible quadrangular membranes which form the side walls of thelaryngeal inlet. The proximal edge of the quadrangular membranes, called the ary-epiglottic folds, form the majority of the rim of the laryngeal inlet. Pivoting theepiglottic "lever" in an anterior direction (toward the tongue) stretches the ary-epiglotticfolds between the epiglottis and their posterior attachment on the arytenoid cartilages.The ary-epiglottic folds are minimally stretchable and, when tensioned, create a?10152025WO 98/16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97/16838-6-relatively ?rm rim at the laryngeal inlet. The pad of our device abuts and seals againstand within the tensioned rim of the laryngeal inlet.The critical features of our novel device are;1.) when seated, it erects and tensions the rim of the laryngeal inlet by pivotingthe epiglottic "lever" anteriorly to stretch the ary-epiglottic folds, creating a relatively?rm rim to seal against, and2.) it has a sealing member which closely abuts and engages the nowâ-tensionedrim of the laryngeal inlet, creating a seal.Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a laryngeal airway devicewith which a human airway may be managed.Another object of this invention is the provision of an airway device with whicha human airway may be managed by formation of a seal between the device and thelaryngeal opening.Yet another object of this invention is the provision of a laryngeal airway devicethat tensions the rim of the laryngeal inlet with which it then forms a seal for airwaymanagement.Yet another object of this invention is the provision of airway management bymeans of a laryngeal device that seals against the compressible and collapsible laryngealinlet.These and other objects, advantages, features, and functions of our invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction withthe below-described drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGThe objects, advantages and features of this invention will be more readilyappreciated from the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing, in which:Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the laryngeal airwaydevice of the invention, when assembled;Fig. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment;?1015202530W0 98l16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97l16838-7-Fig. 1C is a side sectional illustration of a support member of the firstembodiment;Figs. 2A and 2B are respective top views of pad con?gurations used on a sealingmember of the first embodiment;Fig. 3 is a partial cutaway view of the head and throat of a patient showing howthe first embodiment of the laryngeal airway device seats in the throat;Fig. 4 is perspective view of a pharyngeal blade optionally used with the firstembodiment;Figs. 5A-SC illustrate a side sectional view of the anatomy of a human airwayin which the first embodiment is inserted and seated for use;Figs. 6 shows an optional use of the first embodiment for intubation;Figs. 7A-7C show a second embodiment of the invention;Figs. 8A-8B illustrate the second embodiment optionally used for intubation;Figs. 9A-9C illustrate a third embodiment with an optional means for retainingan optional pharyngeal blade to the laryngeal airway device;Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate attachment of the pharyngeal blade on the optionalretaining means of the laryngeal airway device;Fig. 11 illustrates, in a cross sectional view, how the optional retaining meansfunctions to retain the pharyngeal blade on the laryngeal airway device;Figs. 12A and 12B illustrate an alternative optional means for retaining anoptional pharyngeal blade on the laryngeal air device; andFigs. 13A and 13B illustrate a further alternate embodiment of the invention.Fig. 14 is an isometric view of a ?fth embodiment of the invention;Fig. 15 is an exploded assembly view of the ?fth embodiment;Figs. 16 is a side sectional View of the ?fth embodiment;Figs. 17 and 18 are schematic illustrations of the ?fth embodiment in use, sealingthe laryngeal inlet;Fig. l9 is an isometric, partly schematic View of the anatomy of the throat of apatient;Fig. 20 is an isometric View of an optional form of the ?fth embodiment;Fig. 21 is a side sectional view of the optional form of the ?fth embodiment.?1015202530WO 98116273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/U S97/ 16838BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTIONReferring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate thesame parts throughout, Figs. 1A, 1B and IC illustrate one embodiment of our invention.The first embodiment of our invention is a laryngeal airway device 10 that includes anair channel 1 l and a sealing member 14. The primary component of the air channel 11is an air tube 12. The sealing member 14 includes a pad 16 of soft, compliant material,having a hole 18. The hole 18 opens through the pad 16. The sealing member 14further includes a wedge-shaped molded plastic support member 20 having a passageway24 that transitions to a socket 26 in its rearward end. The socket 26 accepts the distalend 27 of the air tube 12. The passageway 24 opens through the support member 20by way of a hole 21 that aligns with the hole 18 in the pad 16. Mounted to theproximal end 28 of the air tube 12 is a connector 30. The laryngeal airway device 10as thus far described, is assembled by suitably bonding the air tube 12, pad 16, andsupport member 20 together. For example, with the distal end 27 of the air tube 12glued into the socket 26 of the passageway 24, the posterior surface of the pad 16 canbe glued to the anterior surface 23 of the support member 20. Thus assembled, the airchannel 1 1 provides an air pathway that is open from the proximal end 28 of the air tube12 through the tube 12, the support member passageway 24, and the hole 18 in the pad16. With connection of a ventilating device to the connector 30, controlled, arti?cialrespiration can be provided when the laryngeal airway device 10 is seated in the throatof a person. as will be described further.The pad 16 (also, "conformable cushion") forms the anterior face of the sealingmember 14 of the laryngeal airway device 10. The pad 16 is adapted to abut againstand conform to the rim of the laryngeal opening (as opposed to surrounding it) to forma seal therewith. Assuming that the dotted line 32 represents the outline of the rim ofthe laryngeal inlet where it contacts the pad 16, one can see that the hole 18 is containedwithin that rim. Application of a seating force on the sealing member 14 in thedirection of the rim of the laryngeal opening will cause the portion of the pad 16 thatabuts the laryngeal opening rim at 32 to compress against the rim. Pad material betweenthe hole 18 and the rim of the laryngeal opening at 32 will be uncompressed, as willmaterial between the rim of the laryngeal opening and the outside edge of the pad 16.?CA 02265482 1999-03-03SUBSTITUTE PAGES . PCT/US97/16838W_O_98/,.16273-9-This forms an effective seal between the laryngeal opening and the pad 16 thatconstrains arti?cial ventilation delivered by way of the hole 18 to the airway andlungs of a patient.The pad 16 is preferably made of a closedâcel1 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foammaterial, or equivalent. The slow time required by certain closed-cell foams to re-expand a?er compression may be advantageous in our invention. Some of thesefoams remain compressed for 15-45 seconds after release of a compressive force.This characteristic of the foam material allows time for the laryngeal airway device 10to be inserted into a patient's mouth with the pad compressed, reducing the anterior-posterior thickness of the pad 16 and its total bulk. A?er a short delay, the resilientfoam re-expands to its total thickness, remaining compressed only against the rim ofthe laryngeal opening at 32 to advantageously form a seal with the larynx. Manyother open or closed foam cell materials are also suitable, with or without surface"skinning". The pad 16 may alternatively be made from any other suitablecompressible and resilient material, or from an in?atable bladder.The laryngeal airway device in which the pad 16 is formed of a foam materialmay have an additional advantage. The foam may absorb fluids with which it comesinto contact. Preapplication of ?uids to the pad 16 before insertion is expected toimprove the sealing capability of the pad 16 against the rim of the laryngeal inlet. Thenatural saliva in the pharynx is also expected to improve the seal.The anterior surface 17 of the pad 16 forms the anterior surface of thelaryngeal airway device. This surface may be contoured in manner that is adapted tothe contour of the throat in the vicinity of the laryngeal inlet. One example of acontoured pad 16 may include a slight anterior projection of the anterior surface of thepad in the area immediately proximal to the hole 18. This projection is expected toforce the epiglottis anteriorly, to assist in tensioning the rim of the laryngeal inlet.Alternatively, the anterior surface 17 of the pad 16 may be substantially planar.The hole 18 (of which there may be one or more) is substantially in themidline of the anterior face of the pad 16 and is in communication with the distal endP:&AUGL'STIN\ 1 54296.AMlAamasa SE4???"?CA 02265482 1999-03-03SUBSTITUTE PAGES . PCT/US97/_16838.WO 98/ 162739A27 of the air tube 12 on the posterior side of the pad 16. The hole 18 provides aconduit fordelivering ventilatory gases from the distal end 27 to the laryngeal inlet.Preferably,P:âAL'G(JSTIN\lS4296.Ar\Â«1l AMENDED SHEET?W0 98/162731015202530CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97l16838-10-there is a single hole 18 whose transverse dimension is smaller than the correspondingtransverse diameter of the laryngeal inlet, thereby allowing the material of the pad 16surrounding the hole to form a seal by abutting against the rim of the laryngeal inlet asdescribed above. Importantly, in forming the seal, some of the material of the pad 16intrudes into or penetrates the larynx and is within the laryngeal inlet when the pad 16abuts the rim at 32. Preferably, the hole 18 is elongate in shape, narrowest in itstransverse dimension. Further preferably, the hole 18 has an elongate teardrop shape,with its pointed end directed proximally. Considering the oval shape of the rim of thelaryngeal inlet at 32, the elongate teardrop-shaped hole 18 in the pad 16 maximizes thechances of alignment and patency along the longitudinal axis, the axis with the highestchance of error in alignment. The narrow portion of the hole 18 prevents the epiglottisfrom falling into and occluding the air channel formed by the hole 18 in the pad 16.while still providing the maximal opportunity for longitudinal alignment.Referring now to Figs. 2A and 2B, the pad 16 is illustrated, in top plan, in Fig.2A. The periphery of the pad 16 has a quasi-rectangular shape with a rounded distal end34. The distal end 34 of the pad 16 seats in the hypopharyngeal space, just above theupper esophageal sphincter. As opposed to the typical pharyngeal airway device. ourlaryngeal airway device is not intended to enter the upper esophagus. To aid inproviding a stop point for accurate insertion depth, the two small lateral protrusions orwings 19 are formed on either side of the proximal end 36 of the pad 16. An alternativeembodiment of the pad 16 is illustrated in Fig. 2B. This embodiment comprises asubstantially rectangular periphery with rounded corners.With reference now to Fig. 3 and to the illustrated embodiment, we will describehow the laryngeal airway device 10 embodies the critical features set forth in theSummary of the Invention. In Fig. 3, the upper portion of a patient 38 is shown in apartially schematic, partially cutout view with our laryngeal airway device 10 insertedthrough the patientâs mouth 40. The illustrated portion of the patientâs anatomy includesthe epiglottis 42, and hyoid bone 44. The laryngeal inlet comprises the aryepiglottic fold46 whose upper edge forms a portion of the rim of the laryngeal opening that abuts thepad 16 at the position indicated by reference numeral 32 in Figs. 1A and 1B. The upper?1015202530WO 98/16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/U S97! 16838-11-portion of the airway, immediately within the rim of the laryngeal opening is referredto as the laryngeal vestibule 48.We have observed that the hyoid bone 44 is attached to the epiglottis 42 in itsmidline by the hyo-epiglottic ligament. When the patient 38 is standing upright, the U-shaped hyoid bone 44 is substantially horizontally oriented. The hyoid bone 44 isalways positioned in the airway at the level of the laryngeal inlet. The side portions ofthe U-shaped of the hyoid bone are referred to as the greater horns. One greater horn45 is visible in dotted outline in Fig. 3. The greater horns of the hyoid bone 44 de?nethe transverse width of the pharynx at the level of the laryngeal inlet. The shape of theperiphery of the pad 16 is adapted to ?t transversely between the greater horns of thehyoid bone 44. Lateral alignment between the pad 16 and the laryngeal inlet rim isassured by the transverse dimension which adapts the pad to fit snugly between thegreater horns of the hyoid bone 44. In the "winged" embodiment of the pad 16. thelaterally protruding wings 19 are adapted to be wider than the transverse width betweenthe greater horns of the hyoid bone 44. During insertion, the laryngeal airway device10 is advanced into the pharynx, sealing member first. until the lateral protruding wings19 contact and seat on the greater horns of the hyoid bone 44, preventing furtheradvancement. Since the hyoid bone 44 is always at the level of the laryngeal inlet. thewinged shape of the sealing member 14 provides a positive endpoint, assuringdependable longitudinal alignment between the hole 18 and the laryngeal inlet.When the wings 19 of the pad 16 are properly seated on the hyoid bone 44, thewings also help to prevent the laryngeal airway device from accidental dislodgment.The wings 19 in effect are trapped between the hyoid bone 44 distally and the soft tissueof the tonsillar pillars (not shown) proximally, which are located on the side walls of thepharynx near the back of the throat. The tonsillar pillars create a resistance tospontaneous ejection of the airway device from its properly seated position.Returning to Figs. 1A, 1B and 1C, in a longitudinal section, the sealing member14 is substantially wedge shaped, to approximate the angle of the bevel of the laryngealinlet. The distal end of the sealing member 14 is thin in the anteroâposterior dimension,while the proximal portion is thicker. As shown in Fig. 1C, the support member 20 ispreferably made of a molded ?exible plastic which is stiffer than the material of which?1015202530W0 98/ 16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCTIU S97! 16838-12-the pad 16 is made, yet which is pliable enough to aid in the insertion of an endotrachealtube (described below). The support member 20 serves to anchor the distal end 27 ofthe air tube 12. Preferably, the passageway 24 of the support member is a completeconical, or cylindrical space with the hole 21 in its anterior wall.The air tube 12 is preferably a curved or ?exible tube made of PVC or urethaneplastic. Alternatively, other types of plastic and rubber material would also be suitable.Referring now to Fig. 4. an optional pharyngeal blade 50 facilitates insertion ofthe laryngeal airway device 10. and eliminates the need for a clinician to insert ?ngersin the throat and mouth of the patient. The pharyngeal blade 50 is substantially J-shaped, with the upper leg 52 of the J serving as a handle and the lower leg 54 of theJ acting as an insertion blade. Preferably, the lower leg 54 widens and then narrows tothe distal tip 5 5 to present a spoon-like shape. There are one or more holes 56 throughthe lower leg 54 that permit ventilation through the laryngeal inlet when the blade isused. Alternatively, the blade may be substantially L-shaped. The blade 50 ispreferably constructed of a lightweight, relatively stiff plastic such as polypropylene orPVC. Alternately, the blade 50 may be made of metal, or other suitable materials.âUse of a laryngeal airway device according to the invention is illustrated in Figs.5A and 5B. These pictures are side views showing a side elevation section of the headand throat of the patient 38 illustrated earlier in Fig. 3. In use, if the pharyngeal blade50 is employed. the blade 50 is directed to the back of the pharynx of the patient 38and, when the distal tip 55 of the blade contacts the posterior pharyngeal wall, the blade50 is then pivoted as it is advanced caudally down the throat. The smooth blade surfaceelevates the epiglottis 42 anteriorly and slides along the tongue 43 and epiglottis 42,without allowing either of these ?exible structures to fold over the laryngeal inlet.When the blade 50 is fully inserted into the pharynx, the blade 50 is lifted in an antero-caudad direction to open the mouth 40 and retract the tongue 43, creating an openchannel for the laryngeal airway device 10. The holes 56 permit ventilation through thelaryngeal inlet. The laryngeal airway device 10 is then introduced through the mouth40, advancing it along the posterior surface of the blade 50 until it meets a resistanceto further advancement. At this point the wings 19 of the preferred embodiment haveengaged the greater horns of the hyoid bone (not shown in Figs. 5A-5C) as discussed?1015202530W0 98/16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97/ 16838-13-above, and the hole 18 is in proper alignment with the laryngeal inlet. The blade 50 isthen removed by simply pulling it out of the mouth 40, while holding the proximal endof the air tube 12 to stabilize the laryngeal airway device 10 in position.As Fig. 5B illustrates, when the sealing member 14 of the laryngeal airwaydevice 10 is seated, the distal end 34 of the pad 16 is lodged in the hypopharyngealspace 49 just above the esophagus 51. At the same time, the proximal end of the pad16 presses against the epiglottis 42 forcing it in an anterior direction toward the tongue43, thereby stretching the ary-epiglottic folds, which create a relatively firm rim at thelaryngeal inlet. As shown in Fig. 5B, the pad 16 abuts and seals against the tensionedrim of the laryngeal inlet, with a part 56 of the anterior surface of the pad 16 projectinginto the laryngeal vestibule 48.As shown in Fig. 5B, a space is created on the anterior side of the airway devicebetween the proximal anterior edge of the pad 16 and the air tube 12. This space canaccommodate the extremely compliant tongue. Fig. SB shows the tongue beginning tofall posteriorly into this space. When the tongue is accommodated in this space, it helpsto seal the epiglottis 42 against the pad 16 and also helps to stabilize the airway deviceagainst accidental removal.While we intend for our laryngeal airway device to be used as described forairway maintenance, we have nevertheless provided for the eventuality that intubationmay be desired or indicated. This is shown in Figs. 1A, 1B, 5C and 6. In such a case,a tear strip 60 is provided, for example, on the anterior side of the air tube 12 as shownin Fig. 6. The upper end of the tear strip 60 projects into a tab 61. The tear strip 60is integral with the air tube 12. Preferably, to form the tear strip, the air tube 12 isextruded or molded with two partial thickness scored lines or grooves running along itsentire length. Alternatively, the air tube 12 could be extruded with two small spaced-apart lumens within the wall of the tube 12. In either case, the air tube 12 islongitudinally weakened along the lines to create one or more seams along which thematerial of the air tube can be parted by tearing. The strip of tubing wall between thetwo grooves (or lumens) serves as the tear strip 60, which can be removed by graspingthe tab 61 and pulling it away from the air tube 12. The tear strip 60 separates from theair tube 12 along the weakened grooves. Thus, when the tear strip 60 is removed. an?1015202530WO 98/16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97l16838-14-open channel is created along the entire length of the air tube 12. Of course, the sameresult may be provided with a single seam. Further, the seams (or seam) may be locatedlaterally or posteriorly on the air tube.Should intubation be desired or indicated, an endotracheal tube, or ?ber opticscope, can be passed through the laryngeal airway device and into the trachea by wayof the air tube 12 and through the hole 18. This is shown in Figs. 5C and 6, where anendotracheal tube 65 has been inserted through the air tube 12, distal end ?rst. A distalballoon 67 on the endotracheal tube 65 is in?ated, which seats the tube in the trachea.The strip 60 is then pulled away from the air tube 12, the endotracheal tube is rotatedforwardly out of the slot created in the air tube 12 by the absence of the strip 60, andthe laryngeal airway device 10 is pulled out of the patientâs throat. In a quickmaneuver. the laryngeal airway device 10 can be pulled over the proximal end 69 of theendotracheal tube. Alternatively, if the endotracheal tube 65 is connected to aventilating apparatus, by a connector 68 for example, the laryngeal airway device 10may be pulled out of the mouth along the endotracheal tube 65 to a point where. usingscissors, the hole 18 may be enlarged and the support member 20 cut away so that thelaryngeal airway device 10 can be pulled off of the endotracheal tube 65. Alternatively,the sealing member 14 can be constructed with a corresponding peel-away section, asexplained later with respect to other embodiments.A second embodiment of the laryngeal airway device is illustrated in Figs. 7A-7C. In Fig. 7A, the pad forming the anterior face of the laryngeal airway device isindicated by reference numeral 76. The pad 76 includes a teardrop-shaped hole 78. Thepad 76 is bonded to a molded pad 80 forming the posterior surface of the laryngealairway device. The molded pad 80 is preferably made of a foam plastic materialselected to have ?exibility and compressibility characteristics that provide structuralsupport to the more compressible and conformable cushion portion of the laryngealairway device. The molded pad 80 may also include a molded air channel 82 that isreceived in a trough 84. The molded air channel 82 is open at 85 and includes aperipheral lip 86 that is received on and bonded to the anterior surface 87 of the moldedpad 80. A connector 88 is forward on the proximal end of the molded air channel 82.An additional strip of material 89 may be integral with the proximal end of the pad 76,?1015202530W0 98/ 16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97/ 16838-15-attaching just above the wings 79. The strip of material 89 is preferably perforated at91 to create a removable tear-strip along its length for intubation as described abovewith reference to Figs. 5C and 6. Alternatively, the entire strip 89 of ?exible materialmay be removable by parting an adhesive bond along its length. The strip 89 is gluedor bonded to the peripheral lip 86 in order to con?ne air?ow through the molded airchannel 82, between the hole 78 and the connector 88. When assembled and bondedtogether, the pieces illustrated in Figs. 7A and 7B form the single integral laryngealairway device that is indicated by reference numeral 99 in Fig. 7C.Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate operation of the laryngeal airway device 99 whenintubation is indicated or desired. In Fig. 8A. a strip 93 has been pulled away from thestrip 89 along the perforations 91 so that the interior of the molded air channel 82 isexposed. Fig. 8B shows an endotracheal tube 101 inserted through the connector 88 ofthe molded air channel 82. With a fitting 105 already attached to the proximal end ofthe endotracheal tube 101, the laryngeal airway device 99 can be removed from theendotracheal tube 101 by cutting away the structure of the device 99 around the socket88. Alternatively, before the ?tting 105 is placed on the endotracheal tube 101, theentire laryngeal airway device 99 can be pulled over the distal end of the endotrachealtube 101 in a quick maneuver.Figs. 9Aâ9C illustrate a third embodiment of the laryngeal airway device thatincludes a molded plastic support member 120 having an open slot or passageway 124and a partial socket at its rearward end 126 to accept the distal end 27 of the air tube12. A laryngeal airway device 110 is assembled by suitably bonding the air tube 12,pad 16 and support member 120 together. For example, with the distal end 27 of theair tube 12 glued into the socket 126 of the slot 124, the under surface of the pad 16 canbe glued to the opposing surface 123 of the support member 120. A posterior pad 122made of a foam material or an in?atable bladder may be mounted to the posterior sideof the support member 120. The posterior pad 122 optimally serves as a cushion againstthe posterior wall of the pharynx, elevates the device anteriorly toward the laryngealinlet, and helps to stabilize the device, preventing it from shifting position during use.Optionally, a gauze or cloth layer may be added to the posterior pad 122 to frictionallyengage the posterior wall of the pharynx, for further stability. If the posterior pad 122?1015202530W0 98/16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97/16838-16-is used, the molded plastic support member 120 is sandwiched internally between thepad 16 and the posterior pad 122. The support member 120 is preferably made of amolded ?exible plastic that is stiffer than the materials of which the pad 16 and theoptional posterior pad 122 are made. The support member 120 serves to anchor thedistal end 27 of the air tube 12. Preferably the socket 126 of the support member is anincomplete ring with a void in its anterior wall. The void corresponds with theremovable strip portion 60 of the air tube 12 (described above). Preferably, the supportmember 120 has an elbow portion immediately distal to the distal end 27 of the air tube12, which redirects air, and or a fiber optic scope or endotracheal tube through the hole18 in the pad 16, and toward the laryngeal inlet. Optionally, the support member 120may include a midline depression 125 in the plane of its anterior surface 123, distal tothe elbow. This depression may be designed to accommodate the rigid ringlike cricoidcartilage, by allowing the cricoid cartilage and the cushion supporting it to be depressedthrough the plane of the surface 123. Preferably, the support member 120 also includesretaining ?anges 127. These are intended to retain a pharyngeal blade 150 havingretaining slots, one of which is indicated by 159. The retaining slots 159 are set backfrom the distal end 155 of the lower leg 154 of the pharyngeal blade 150. As Figs. 10Aand 10B illustrate, the pharyngeal blade 150 is attached to the laryngeal airway device110 by the interlocking action between the retaining ?anges 127 on the support piece120 and the retaining slots 159 on the blade 150. When thus retained, the lower leg 154compresses the pad 16, with the distal end 155 of the blade extending slightly beyondthe distal end of the pad 16. Fig. 11 shows, in a cross section taken along 11-11 in Fig.10B, the retention of the laryngeal blade 150 by engagement of the elongate slots 159with the ?anges 127 on the support member 120. The holes 156 align with the hole 18to permit ventilation through the laryngeal inlet, by way of the air channel 12.An alternate means of engagement between the blade 150 and the laryngealairway device 110 is illustrated in Figs. 12A and 12B. Fig. 12B is a cross section takenat 12B-12B in Fig. 12A, with the blade 150 attached to the laryngeal airway device 110.In this case. each of the ?anges 127 includes a respective hole 128. Further, in theblade 150, the blade portion 154 includes, set back from the distal tip 155, a pair ofprojections 162 on the posterior side of the blade 150, each of which extends toward the?1015202530W0 98/ 16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCTIU S97/ 16838-17-distal end 155 and which may be received in a respective one of the holes 128 to attachthe blade 150 to the laryngeal airway device 110.Refer now to Figs. 13A and 13B which show a fourth embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment, the air channel 11 and pad 16 of soft, compliant materialare as described in connection with the first embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1A, 1B and1C. In this embodiment, however, a sealing member 214 comprises a support memberin the form of a pad of compliant material 220 that is stiffer and less compliant than thematerial of which the pad 16 is made. This pad is termed the "posterior pad", while thepad 16 may be termed the "anterior pad". The posterior pad 220 includes a passageway224 and a shaped recess 226 having an anterior surface 227. With the distal end 27 ofthe air tube 12 received in the passageway 224, the anterior pad 16 is bonded, forexample, by gluing, to the surface 227 of the posterior pad 220. This forms thepassageway 224 into an air passageway that communicates between the distal end 27 andthe hole 18. As thus constructed, the alternate embodiment illustrated in Figs. 13A and13B operates as described above for airway management, and may have any of theoptional adaptations for insertion and for intubation that are disclosed in connection withpreviously-described embodiments.Finally, for ease of ETT placement, Figs. 9B, 13A and 13B shows lines ofweakness 360 in the pad 16 that extend from the wide portion of the teardrop-shapedhole 18 to the proximal edge of the pad 16. These lines represent a tear strip that isgenerally aligned with the tear strip 60 and that can be removed with the tear strip 60to completely open the laryngeal airway device to facilitate removal of the laryngealairway device from an endotracheal tube, without requiring scissors to assist in removal.The ?fth embodiment of our invention forms an effective ?uid seal with alaryngeal inlet, positions the laryngeal airway device very accurately and dependablywith respect to the laryngeal inlet, and improves the ease of insertion of the laryngealairway device into a patient.It should be noted that, even when the epiglottis is tensioned by an anteriorrotation (that is, one toward the front of the neck), the lateral aryâepiglottic folds ofcertain patients have a pronounced concave scallop in the lateral rims of the larynx. Insome patients, extreme scalloping poses a significant challenge to the engagement of the?1015202530W0 98ll6273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97ll6838-13-anterior surface of the laryngeal airway device with the edge of the larynx. Manifestlythis can affect the quality of the seal that our device makes with the laryngeal inlet.The ?fth embodiment of our laryngeal airway device provides an increased angleof the anterior surface on the sealing member lateral to the hole through the sealingmember. The increased angle anticipates and accommodates a pronounced scallop in thelateral rim of the laryngeal inlet, increasing the reliability of a seal formed therewith bythe sealing member of the device.The ?fth embodiment also increases the accuracy which with our device can beplaced in the throat of a patient, and enhances the dependability of the seal with theupper portion of the laryngeal inlet.The ?fth embodiment of our laryngeal airway device is illustrated in Figs. 14,15, 16 and 17. Fig. 14 is an isometric view of the ?fth embodiment, assembled. Fig.15 is an isometric exploded View showing the elements of the ?fth embodiment, Fig. 16is a side sectional view of the ?fth embodiment. Fig. 17 is a side elevational view ofthe ?fth embodiment after having been advanced against the laryngeal inlet. Refer nowto all of these figures for an understanding of the structure and parts of the ?fthembodiment of our laryngeal airway device, which is indicated generally by referencenumeral 300. The device 300 includes an air tube 312 and a sealing member 314. Thesealing member 314 includes a pad 316 with an anterior surface 317. The tube 312 andpad 316 may be formed with the materials described above in respect of embodimentsone through four. A hole 318 opens through the anterior surface 317 and the pad 316.As with the above-described embodiments, the hole 318 is substantially in the midlineof the pad 316. It may be teardrop-shaped, narrowest in its transverse dimension, whichis smaller than the transverse dimension of the laryngeal opening with which it isadapted to seal. The sealing member 314 further includes a sigmoid-shaped, moldedplastic support member 320 having a sleeve 323 that de?nes a passageway 324. Thedistal end 327 of the air tube 312 is received in the rear opening of the sleeve 323.When assembled, the air tube 312 communicates through its distal end 327, the sleeve323, and the hole 318.The sleeveV323 preferably has the longitudinal shape of a truncated cone thatfunnels the larger diameter distal end 327 of the air tube 312 down to the smaller?1015202530W0 98/ 16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/U S97/ 16838-19-diameter of the hole 318. Alternately, the shape of the sleeve 323 could be tubular.The sleeve 323 is preferably tearâdrop shaped in crossâsection, with the point of the tearâdrop at 325 oriented posteriorly (toward the bottom) with respect to the sealing member314. The teardrop shapes of the hole 318 and sleeve 323 approximate the shape of thesupraglottic larynx, with the point of the sleeve 323 ?tting between the arytenoidcartilages. Alternatively, these shapes could be substantially oval or round in cross-section. At the apex of the teardrop shape of the sleeve 323, at least one longitudinalcleft is provided, extending from the distal margin of the sleeve 323 toward the distalend 327 of the air tube 312. This cleft weakens the wall of the sleeve 323, reducing therisk of injury to the larynx. Preferably the cleft 325 is on the posterior wall at the apex325 of the sleeveâs teardrop shape. Therefore, the wall of the collar, when contactingthe arytenoid cartilages, is very ?exible and the contact is non-traumatic. Preferably theanterior portion of the wall of the sleeve 323 is intact and therefore stiffer than theposterior portion, thereby enabling the sleeve 323 to support the epiglottis on its anteriorwall portion. Finally, the cleft at 325 allows expansion of the sleeve 323, particularlyat its distal margin, to accommodate the passage of an oversized tracheal tube throughits lumen.A connector 330 is mounted to the proximal end 328 of the air tube 312. Anin?atable balloon 331 is mounted to the tube 312 by attachment to the posterior surfaceof the support member and by a collar 332 that slides over the outer surface of the airtube 312 near its distal end 327. The balloon 331 is thereby retained on the air tube312, posteriorly to the sealing member 314.The ?fth embodiment as so far described is assembled by suitably bonding thepad 316 to the support member 320 by way of, for example, an adhesive layer 326, andthen bonding the distal tip 327 of the air tube 312 in the posterior opening of the sleeve323. Thus assembled, an air passageway opens from the proximal end 328 of the airtube 312 through the tube 312 and the sleeve 323, and extends through the hole 318.With connection of a ventilating device to the connector 330, controlled, artificialrespiration can be provided when the ?fth embodiment 300 is seated in the throat of aperson, as will be described further.?1015202530WO 98/16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97l16838-20-As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the anterior surface 317 of the pad 316 has aproximal anterior extension 317a that transitions into a convex curve 317b. The convexcurve 317b of the anterior surface transitions, on either side of the hole 318, into lateralanterior surface portions 3 1 7c. From the bottoms of the lateral anterior surface portions317C, the anterior surface 317 transitions through a concave curve 317d to a distalextension 3l7e. As can be best appreciated from Figs. 16 and 17, the distal extension317e, the concave curve 317d, the lateral anterior surface portions 3l7c, the convexcurve 317b, and the proximal anterior extension 317a of the anterior surface 317combine to give the anterior surface a substantially sigmoid shape. The convex curve3 1 7b in the anterior surface 317. together with the lateral anterior surface portions 317c,oppose the concave scallop frequently occurring in the lateral rim of the laryngeal inlet,thereby creating an improved ?uid seal with the inletâs rim.The angle 0 which the lateral anterior surface portions 317d forms with anextension of a longitudinal axis 3l2LA of the distal end 327 of the air tube 312 ispreferably approximately 55Â°. Alternatively, this angle may be in the range ofapproximately 30Â° to approximately 90Â°.The difficulty of dependably engaging the laryngeal inlet by an instrumentwithout visualization is well recognized in the medical arts. For the laryngeal airwaydevice of our invention to operate dependably, the ventilation hole 318 (and the distalend of the sleeve 323) must accurately oppose the ori?ce of the laryngeal inlet. It ispreferable that the accurate alignment of the ventilation hole in our device with thelaryngeal inlet be accomplished during "blind" or nonâvisualized insertion. The designof our ?fth embodiment accurately and dependably positions the laryngeal airway devicewith respect to the laryngeal inlet, as now described.Refer now to Figs. 17 and 18 for an understanding of the operation of the ?fthembodiment of our laryngeal airway device. These pictures are side views showing aside elevation section of the head and throat of a patient 338. Refer also to Fig. 19 foran understanding of the anatomical space in which the sealing member 314 must bepositioned for accurately and dependably seating in the throat of a patient. (Althoughnot shown in these illustrations, a pharyngeal blade, such as the blade 50 discussedpreviously, may be used to assist in the insertion of the laryngeal airway device 300).?1015202530WO 98/16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97/ 16838-2]-As Fig. 17 illustrates, when the sealing member 314 of the laryngeal airwaydevice 300 is seated against the laryngeal opening, the distal extension 317e of theanterior surface 317 is lodged in the hypopharyngeal space 349, just above theesophagus. At the same time, the proximal anterior extension 317a and the upperportion of the convex curve 317b press against the epiglottis 342, forcing it in ananterior direction toward the tongue 343, thereby stretching the ary-epiglottic folds,which create a relatively ?rm rim at the laryngeal inlet.The angle that the lateral anterior portions 317c of the anterior surface 317 formwith respect to the longitudinal axis 3 l2LA have been previously described. In addition,the distal extension 317e of the anterior surface 317 is angled toward the longitudinalaxis 312LA, but projected distally. This forms the tight concave curve in the anteriorsurface 317, at 317d. The portion of the anterior surface 317 that transitions throughthe concave curve 317d creates a reliable end-point to insertion of the laryngeal airwaydevice when it ?rmly abuts the arytenoid cartilages 352 of the laryngeal inlet. This endpoint accurately positions the laryngeal airway device longitudinally, with respect to thelaryngeal inlet, along or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis shown in Fig. 19.Assuming that the patient 338 is supine, the larynx can be expected to be restingon the posterior wall 351 of the patientâs hypopharynx 349. In this case, the distalextension 317e of the anterior surface 317 is inserted between the posterior side 350 ofthe larynx and the posterior wall 351. Inserting the distal extension 317e between thesetwo structures holds the laryngeal airway device 300 in place, stabilizing the device 300to prevent movement when in use. F urther, the distal extension 317e accuratelypositions the laryngeal device 300 along the anterior-posterior (AâP) axis (Fig. 19),which extends through, and perpendicularly to, the longitudinal axis, between the backof the patientâs neck and the front of the patientâs throat. The laryngeal airway device300 is also accurately positioned in the transverse axis shown in Fig. 19 (from side-to-side of the patientâs neck) by sizing the width of the anterior surface 317 and/or thesupport member 320 to the width of the pharynx at the level of the laryngeal inlet. Ingeneral, this width will be defined by the distance between the wings of the hyoid bone44 (reference Fig. 19). The laryngeal airway device 300 may be slightly wider than the?1015202530W0 98/16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97l16838-22-available space, with the provision that the material of which the pad 316 is made iscompressible, which will provide a snug ?t between the side walls of the pharynx.In summary, with reference to Figs. 17 and 19, the lateral anterior surfaceportions 3l7c, curving concavely into the distal extension 3l7e of the anterior surface317, embody a means for accurately positioning the sealing member 314 with respectto the laryngeal inlet in both the longitudinal and A-P axes. Sizing the width of theanterior surface 317 to the width of the pharynx centers the device with respect to thelaryngeal inlet in the transverse axis. Therefore, the sealing member 314 accurately anddependably positions itself in three axes with respect to the laryngeal inlet, when insertedblindly into the pharynx.To ensure a dependable seal with the larynx, the laryngeal airway device 300must be in firm contact with the laryngeal inlet. This can be difficult when the lateralrim portions of the laryngeal inlet are scalloped severely. Typical scalloping is seen inFig. 19 in the lateral rim portion 372. The convex curve 3l7b is shaped to fill thescalloped rim 372. With reference to Figs. 17, 18 and 19, such contact is provided bya thickness along the A-P axis that is sufficient to force the anterior surface 317 againstthe laryngeal inlet. One potential problem is that excessive thickness in the A-Pdimension might make insertion of the laryngeal airway device 300 through the mouth,around the tongue 343, and into the pharynx difficult. This problem is solved in thelaryngeal airway device 300 by provision of the in?atable balloon 331 that is carried onthe posterior side of the air tube 312. As shown in Fig. 17, the laryngeal airway device300 is inserted to the pharynx with the balloon 331 de?ated, reducing the A-P thicknessfor insertion. When the anterior surface 317 is properly positioned with respect to thelarynx, the balloon 331 is in?ated, thereby elevating the laryngeal airway device 300 offof the posterior pharyngeal wall 351 and forcing it anteriorly against the laryngeal inletand epiglottis 342. The balloon 331 is in?ated by way of a tube 333 having at its distala ?tting 334 through which it pressurized air may be introduced for in?ating the balloon331. In?ation of the balloon and rotation of the sealing member 314 anteriorly againstthe epiglottis 342 are shown in Fig. 18. The anterior rotation of the sealing member 314by in?ation of the balloon 331 against the epiglottis is evidenced by a slight bulge 360in the neck of the patient 338. When the sealing member 314 is seated in the laryngeal?101520W0 98/16273CA 02265482 1999-03-03PCT/US97/ 16838-23-opening, the sigmoid shape of the anterior surface 317, particularly in the convex curveportion 317b follows the scalloping in the lateral edges of the laryngeal inlet, whichenhances the seal formed between the sealing portion 314 and the laryngeal inlet.Figs. 20 and 21 illustrate an optional variation of the ?fth embodiment in whichthe sleeve 323 is omitted from the support member 320. As these ?gures show, evenwhen the sleeve 323 is omitted, the anterior surface 317 of the pad 316 of the sealingmember 314 has the surface features 317a, 317b, 317c, 317d, 317e that impose asigmoid shape on the anterior surface 317.Provision or omission of the sleeve 323 depends upon clinical and manufacturingconsiderations. The support member 320 is preferably a molded plastic piece in whichthe sleeve 323 can be included, or omitted.Further, the ?fth embodiment of the laryngeal airway device 300 may be adaptedto include the integral perforations of previouslyâdescribed embodiments that wouldenable the device 300 to be used as a channel for intubation which could be strippedaway from an inâplace endotracheal tube, if desired.While our invention has been illustrated and described with reference toparticular embodiments, it will be understood by those âskilled in the art that variouschanges and modi?cations can be made to those embodiments, and other embodimentscan be provided, without departing from the scope of the invention, which is limitedonly by the following claims.

Claims

1. A laryngeal airway device comprising an air tube with a proximal end and a distal end, a sealing member attached to the distal end of the air tube that is adapted to occupy space in the pharynx near the larynx of a person, and a passageway in the sealing member that is in communication with the air tube through the distal end, characterized in that:
the sealing member includes a compressible pad with an anterior surface adapted to abut against and conform to the rim of the laryngeal opening of the larynx, and a relatively stiff support member posterior to the compressible pad;
and at least one hole in the pad which opens between the anterior surface of the pad and the passageway.

2. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 1 wherein the anterior surface of the pad is substantially flat.

3. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 1 wherein the anterior surface of the pad is contoured.

4. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 1 wherein the periphery of the pad has a substantially rectangular shape.

5. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 1 wherein the periphery of the pad includes laterally protruding wings.

6. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 5 wherein the transverse width of the pad across the wings is wider than the transverse width of the pad away from the wings.

7. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 1 wherein the hole is elongate in shape with a longitudinal dimension that is greater than a transverse dimension.

8. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 7 wherein the hole has a teardrop-shape with a pointed end oriented proximally.

9. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 1 wherein the air channel comprises a flexible tube.

10. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 9 wherein the flexible tube includes at least one longitudinal section extending along its length which creates a line of relative weakness in a wall of the tube.

11. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 10 wherein the flexible tube includes two longitudinal sections which form a removable strip extending longitudinally on the flexible tube.

12. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 11 wherein the removable strip is on an anterior wall of the flexible tube and includes a tab at its proximal end.

13. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 1, wherein the support member has an anterior surface that is bounded to a posterior surface of the pad.

14. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 13 wherein the support member includes an elbow portion for redirecting air flowing in the air channel toward the hole.

15. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 1 wherein the air channel is a flexible molded part with a removable strip of material.

16. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 15 wherein the material forming a wall of the air channel is longitudinally weakened along a line to create a seam.

17. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 15 wherein the material forming a wall of the air channel is longitudinally perforated in two parallel lines to a removable tear strip.

18. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 15 further including material forming a wall bonded to the molded part.

19. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 1, wherein the support member has an anterior surface and a slot, a posterior surface of the pad being bonded to the anterior surface over the slot thereby to form the passageway.

20. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 19, wherein the flexible tube includes at least one longitudinal section extending along its length which creates a line of relative weakness in a wall of the tube and the pad includes a line of relative weakness over the slot in alignment with the at least one longitudinal section.

21. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 19, further including a posterior pad that is bonded to a posterior surface of the support member.

22. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 1, wherein the support member comprises a substantially compliant material such that the support member is stiffer than the pad.

23. The laryngeal airway device of Claim 22, wherein the pad comprises a first soft, compliant plastic material and the support member comprises a second soft, compliant plastic material, the material of the pad being softer and more compliant than the material of the support member.

24. The laryngeal airway device of any of Claims 1-23 in combination with a pharyngeal blade.